Bonchaz is a local coffee and sandwich shop with 2 locations in Vancouver-one on West Hastings and a new lcoation on the corner of Main and Broadway (this package is only valid at the Main and Broadway location). I’ve visited the original location a couple of times in the past for the namesake of the place-the Bonchaz pastry, a Bonchaz is an oven baked milk bun topped with a crisp golden crust and a hint of fresh ground coffee. For my visit I went with my fellow foodie and food photog Alvin Lee from EatinginVancouver.ca so I snapped a couple of pics of his choices, to see his review and thoughts when his post is up click here.

For my meal I went with the Avocado and Brie sandwich, Vegan Chili and Chocolate Truffle Bonchaz (it was invented after they set up the package and is also a choice).

I thought the vegan chilli was alright. They used a nice mix of vegetables and the base of it wasn’t to heavy on the tomato. Spice wise it was mild with cumin being the predominant flavor and the consistency was a mix of soup and stew.

I have a thing for avocado sandwiches so I had to choose this. They backed the bread full of creamy brie and avocado then liberally drizzled a thick, sweet balsamic to help cut the richness. To add some crunch and acidity as well to the sandwich cucumbers and tomatoes were a great choice. One thing that I didn’t care for all that much was the bread and the way they stuff the piece in the middle, I found it hard to eat and the bread was on the dry side, they make some beautiful brioche that I think this would be better on.

This is their chocolate truffle Bonchaz. It’s rich and buttery just like the original but instead of a butter filling they have put semi sweet sticks of chocolate like you would find in a chocolate croissant. The Bonchaz itself has a nice soft inside with a firm but not crunchy outside and they really go great with coffee or tea.

Overall the SUPER Bonchaz! package from VANEATS.ca is a pretty good deal for $6.50, if you’re looking for a solid, affordable lunch it’s a great choice. The package is already on sale on the VANEATS.ca website right now and is available till March 4th, 2013.